Let's do some ice skating while we are waiting for more snow and the skiing/snowboarding season to officially kick off.

Hopefully we will repeat this meetup at least once a week for the next month or two....depending on the interest and the skill level we can change the day of the week and time.

Aside from being fun, ice skating is a good workout and a nice practice for anyone who enjoys winter sports, especially skiers - the balance/movements you go through on skis and ice skates are very similar, and I know I could use some memory refreshing before the skiing season starts...

If you are a beginner skier or you plan to learn skiing this season, you'll have one more reason to join us for some ice skating...I'll give you some basic tips and help you get going on the ice.

Citi Pond at Bryant Park is Manhattan's first and only free admission ice skating rink. Back for its seventh season, Citi Pond is one of NYC's most treasured winter destinations.

Schedule:

The plan is to meet at 9AM inside the rink facility by the lockers.

(Entrance to the facility is from the 40th street, middle of the block)

This is where we will change and put ice skates on before proceeding to the ice.

Bring a lock - lockers are free, but if you do not have one you'll have to either buy it at the counter ($7) or check in your bag (and pay a $7 or $10 fee).

I realize 9AM is a bit early, but until we figure out who can skate on what level it's for the best.

From the experience, the major concern and source of insecurity for the people learning how to ice skate are the kids zooming past them from all direction while on the ice...

Early on Sunday morning, there is only a few people skating, so we get more space to practice and enjoy, and less kids to worry about.

Once everyone in the group is comfortable with skating in a more crowded rink we can change the meetup time and maybe even a day of the week - we could do some after work skate metups on Wednesdays or Thursdays evenings...

Cost:

Access to the ice skating rink is free, and so is the use of lockers (you need to bring your lock!).

However, the ice-skates rental is not free.

If you have a pair of ice skates, then you won't pay a dime; but if you do not have your own ice-skates, and can't borrow them from a friend/relative, you'll have to rent them at the facility for $14 for a skating period (you can stay as long as you want 8AM-10PM).

If you plan on ice skating more than 2 times this season, I suggest you to purchase a pair of ice skates; there are some incredibly cheap skates out there - girls can pick up a pair for as low as $30...

Just make sure they fit you OK (thigh but not blistering tight), get the cheapest pair, and disregard all selling points salesman will try to put out there...

Transportation:

Getting to the Bryant park is easy.

Take subway line B,D,F or M to the 42nd Street - Bryan park stop...

or 7 line to the 5th Ave stop...

or N, R, Q, 1, 2 or 3 line to the Times Square - 42nd Street stop and walk one Ave block east.

The entrance to the ice skating rink is from the south side of the park - 40th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

What to wear:

What usually works best for me is a base layer top (thin, body tight, moisture wick shirt) with a warm sweater on the top, a scarf, a warm hat, and a pair of gloves; everything else stays in the locker - it could be a bit cold at first, but as soon as you start skating you'll start rolling your sleeves up; Again, this is what works for me - you may want to adjust the amount/type of clothing to best fit your needs.

Cell phones are not permitted on the ice - if you need to make a call/send text, you have to step off the ice.

Checking in:

When you enter the facility you will be directed to the counter where they will ask you if you have your own skates or if you need to rent a pair, ask you to sign a waiver and give you a bracelet.

After you get the bracelet, you can proceed to the lockers area.

There are some snacks/drinks sold at the facility but the prices are as they usually are in places like this...I recommend bringing a bottle of water/drink and keeping it in your locker...